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I was hired as a technical writer, and I've moved into marcom as well as
public relations. I currently spend about a third of my time in each of
those areas. I would love to be able to concentrate on any one of those
areas, but doing all three has its benefits: I'm never bored, and I've
established a reputation as someone who will put in a little extra effort
wherever it's needed.
A little public relations training in my education would have been
beneficial, probably more so than the film class I took, but I've been able
to read up on the subject enough to get up to speed. Personally, I think a
degree program in professional writing or communication should include
public relations writing such as press releases and case studies, marketing
communications (brochure and ad copy), as well as technical communications.
A couple classes in education and instructional technology probably wouldn't
hurt either.
This, however, is coming from the point of view of a former English major.
I'm sure many people on this list would rather see a heavier focus on
technical subjects... In fact, I was able to learn how to write decent
press releases pretty easily, but what I really wish I could do is read the
electrical schematics for our products.
Hope this helps,
Aimee
> From: "Krysta J. Nibe" <krystajo -at- iastate -dot- edu>
> Reply-To: "Krysta J. Nibe" <krystajo -at- iastate -dot- edu>
> Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 19:32:44 -0500
> To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
> Subject: PR/TW Help
>
>
> Hello,
> First of all, I would like to thank you all for the interesting and
> sometimes entertaining information you post on this list.
>
> I am a graduate student working on a major paper and thesis at the same
> time. I am investigating the role that public relations plays in a tech
> writer's job. More specifically, I have been reading material that promotes
> technical writers helping the company out when it comes to public relations
> writing - especially for technical press releases.
>
> Do any of you have experience in public relations? Have you ever been asked
> to step in and help with press releases or other public relations projects?
> In your opinion, would technical writers benefit from public relations
> training in addition to technical writing training?
>
> Thank you in advance for your help!
>
> Krysta Nibe
> Rhetoric, Composition and Professional Communication
> Iowa State University
>
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